Properties of Leather

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Leather is used for many different forms of clothing and shoes. The properties of leather make it the perfect material for several different garments. In this article, we take a look at the various properties of leather and how leather is best used in clothing and shoes and for creating furniture.

Water-resistant

Leather can be manufactured to be water-resistant or totally waterproof, depending on the process and coating added to the material. Waterproofing is often added to the leather used for shoes, boots and handbags. Naturally, leather has a degree of water resistance but will never be completely waterproof without an added layer of the right treatment.

Durable

Leather is incredibly durable; this tough material won’t crack, tear or peel when it's looked after properly. It's generally seen as four times more durable than other types of fabric, which is why it’s been used for many years. It copes well when exposed to scuffs, bumps and knocks. The best quality leather can last for upwards of 15 years if it's correctly looked after. This makes leather ideal for furniture, shoes and jackets that get a lot of wear over the years.

Flexible

Flexibility and malleability are very important in footwear. Leather is a flexible material that can be easily molded into different shapes. When you buy a pair of leather boots or shoes, over time, they will flex and adapt to fit your feet perfectly. This makes the shoes much more comfortable compared to those made from less flexible and malleable materials such as faux leather or plastic-based materials.

Heat retention

Leather is great for keeping your body warm in cold weather. This can come as a surprise as it’s not the thickest material you can purchase. Nevertheless, leather is warm and retains your body heat. The heat travels very slowly through the material and is retained within the item. This is one of the reasons why leather jackets are so popular; they keep the wearer warm and comfortable whilst also looking very stylish.

Breathability

Leather is unique in its breathability properties; it can expel moisture in the form of vapor, preventing sweat and the wearer from getting too hot. The special breathability properties of leather make it ideal for jackets and shoes. Leather shoes are unlikely to get as smelly as the sweat will be expelled as water vapor. Similarly, you can wear leather jackets in warmer temperatures without the wearer becoming too hot. This is vital when making leather motorcycle jackets with armor, they need to be worn in all weather conditions to keep the rider safe, but it is also essential they’re not too uncomfortable to wear in hot weather.

Heat resistant

Leather does not typically burn or catch fire; instead, it shrinks and curls when exposed to a flame. Leather does not need to go through treatment to be considered fire-resistant. Many people use flames to show that leather is authentic and not fake. Faux leather contains plastic which is not naturally resistant to heat. This makes leather perfect for large furniture items such as sofas and protective equipment such as leather motorcycle jackets.

Softness

Leather can be a very soft material; thinner leather tends to be softer. However, there are other variables that alter the feel of leather. One of the processes involved in the treatment of leather is called tanning. The tanning process alters the material's protein structures, making it more durable and less susceptible to decomposition. The method of tanning leather will create different levels of softness in the material. This enables leather to be tailored to where it’s going to be used. Soft leather is often used on leather accessories and furniture. For example, winter gloves, purses, wallets and bags commonly use the softest forms of leather.

Leather is a very versatile material that can be adapted and treated to suit many different applications. It’s also a natural byproduct of the meat industry which can be classed as more environmentally friendly than other plastic-derived materials. The primary reason leather is used in different applications is because of its durability, strength and adaptability. To maintain the look of your leather items, always use leather-specific products to prevent damage and keep the material looking great.

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Flexible

Flexibility and malleability are very important in footwear. Leather is a flexible material that can be easily molded into different shapes. When you buy a pair of leather boots or shoes, over time, they will flex and adapt to fit your feet perfectly. This makes the shoes much more comfortable compared to those made from less flexible and malleable materials such as faux leather or plastic-based materials.

Heat retention

Leather is great for keeping your body warm in cold weather. This can come as a surprise as it’s not the thickest material you can purchase. Nevertheless, leather is warm and retains your body heat. The heat travels very slowly through the material and is retained within the item. This is one of the reasons why leather jackets are so popular; they keep the...

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